Photography trip to Melaka

I went to Melaka with TP and family on Christmas day. It was purely a photography trip to this World Heritage City inscribed by UNESCO this year. It was a gloomy day but TP and I managed to captured some good shots! On our journey back, we managed to talked about some great conversation on faith. No doubt SB will never fail to tell me she had learn a lot everytime from her conversation with me or KP, but her pure seeking spirit is something that I admire always. Somehow, we have resolved on our journey back we are gonna bloom with our full capacity in our respective role in the 2010 Culture Festival.
Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/ng.tecklih/20081225Melaka#

It has been quite a while...

Wow! It has been a month since i last blogged!! Time flies.
Some updates on my life (in case any blog follower/s interested in knowing). My grand aunt is still struggling everyday with her sickness. At times she looks so OK, but at times, she looks so down. Two days ago, she told me she start to feel pain in her bone.. Must chant that she will not suffer!!
A week ago, a YMD met an accident and still in coma in hospital, everyone is chanting for his recovery. Last night, PL text me saying the swell on his face has gone and doctor mentioned he has a good chance to recover again. Must continue to chant to see actual proof!
Last night had a dialogue with SA till late night. He told me one very important point of a leader; as a leader, one must have the compassion to make sure his fellow members will without fail become happy. It is the "heart" of a leader that matters most. Must chant to expand my life condition to be a true leader.

History of kosen-rufu in Selangor

Preparing lecture on History of kosen-rufu in Selangor for tomorrow's Soka Talent Group training. I grew up in a family who fought with the anti-Gakkai group since the 80's. My dad was the G.Chapter YMD chief then who led a group of youth division fought fearlessly against the Ichinen Sanzan group. Today, he has retired himself from all Gakkai activities now. But from time-to-time, he told me about the fights. His fight was against his G.Chapter chief who rendered our family great financial support when we were little. "He bought us our first butsudan, he bought your sister milk powder when he knew we lived in difficulty, etc." I asked dad why fought against him then, the only thing dad told me was they were cheating on members and they didn't follow Gakkai! I tried to understand dad's inner struggle to go against someone who helped him before but now went against the fellow Gakkai members and Gakkai..
I am the 2nd generation of this fights against anti-Gakkai groups in Selangor and coincidentally the Selangor YMD chief today. I must continue to fight on..

Chanting with Auntie

I took a day off from work to prepare Gosho lecture for High School Division training.

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others.

I encourage my auntie to chant together with me in front of Gohonzon. We did a solid 30-minute daimoku before she gets too tired and goes back to her room. I truly treasured this 30-minute daimoku with her in front of Gohonzon.

Chanting & Chanting

My family was so busy for the pass week on grand aunt's hospitalization. Her mood swing from despair to anger, from fright to resignation.. She even told mum to start giving out her valuables to all..
I never fail to talk to her on being strong and brave to face whatever is coming up. We didn't even talk about the graveness of her sickness to her. We were all chanting the first doctor diagnosis is a mistake. She will be just fine.. I stopped listening to radio when I drive. I chanted all the way from home to work, from office to clients', from work to kaikan..
Two days ago when we went visit her in A. Hospital, she looks all alright! Talk, eat and even compliant about nurse's service.. real positive sign to all of us. Will keep chanting..

Few more weeks...

Doctor pronounced my grand aunt with advanced liver cancer yesterday. "Few more weeks, I am sorry." that was what doctor said...
My grand aunt is the one who brought us up and showering us with her love as if we are her own grand children. I don't think anyone will ever tolerate all four of us if not because of her undying love for us. She chants from time to time. I told her to be brave, and keep chanting.
Anyhow, I can't help but to think..
Few more weeks... she is leaving us
Few more weeks... she is going alone
Few more weeks... she will be gone forever
Few more weeks... she is going to be Buddha in death.

Chant to open up our hearts

Dialogue with PK about her brother's situation. I realize most of the time we chant with a preoccupied decision in our mind. "Gohonzon, please make this happen...", "Gohonzon, I want him to see this...", etc. Have we ever chant to open our heart to embrace others? Embracing the others as they are. To see their point of view, to understand them, and to feel for them. I believe this is part of our inner transformation, human revolution.

First step towards my dream...

Ever since I came back from Japan, I am having this urge to work towards my dream (to work / contribute in a humanitarian organization) immediately. Anyhow, it remains as my thought only and nothing concrete was being done. I was free on Monday night (3 Nov, almost 2 months after the trip) and I started writing my resume and application to those organizations I can find from the Internet. My resume actually ends up writing very little on my corporate experience but more on the Soka Gakkai voluntary experiences. Is this a sign? A sign for me to go all out for what I really want to do in life...
Will continue to chant to realize my mission..

2nd Act of Kosenrufu Meeting

Last Sunday was the 2nd Act of Kosenrufu Meeting. Another month of touching victory reports sharing.
A YWD shared her testimony on how she challenged her Gokuyo target. Making us realize the true meaning and benefit of Gokuyo.
Another YMD resolved to participate in activities after his Chapter chief's never-give-up spirit in encouraging him through sms and calls.
Byakuren reported on last week GBS and Stage Crew kenshukai success. Everyone enjoyed the trip tremendously.
What can be better than seeing Sensei's youthful disciples achieving one victory after another!!

Ninth Consciousness

Shakubuku HF today. After hearing her situation, I feel for her. She believed all these were fated and it is her destiny, according to the "master" fortune teller she went to. She is strong but lost!
She must stand up for her family and be the Sun of her family. I know very well Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo will be able to change the very core of her life, and bring forth the Buddha nature in her to overcome her destiny. That is the formula. Will continue to chant for her happiness and her family.

~ Beautiful Gakkai . Beautiful Life ~

Met TL on my way out from kaikan last night. We talked till 3am.. He reminds me of my YMD District Chief when I first came back from US...
"It is Gakkai that has make me change, seeing Gakkai members gives me hope in life. Without Gakkai, i will probably still live the life of a gangster" mentioned TL. Another example on how Gakkai has changed a person's perspective in life and directed a young life like his towards something constructive. Truly encouraged by this young fellow's determination to change.

2008 GBS Kenshukai

Attended our GBS+SC Kenshukai over the weekend. Managed to encouraged 2 YMD, MT & BK, on faith. When one losses interest on attending activities or one's laziness overwhelmed him; it is hard for him to realize it himself and it is even harder for him to bring himself to seek leader's guidance. However, BK did it. His sincerity makes me think of how many leaders can actually be so frank to their own life and faith in front of another person? This is what Prof. Radnakrisnan mentioned in his speech in our kaikan that day. Most of us is wearing a mask today, sometimes we forget which is the mask and which is the face.

Mutually encouraging

Had two really encouraging dialogues with HL and SB on two different phone calls tonight. Can really hear their laughter from the other side of the phone after the conversations. When they said I have encouraged them a lot after the conversation, I am thinking the one get encouraged most is myself.

On night duty

Had a very frank dialogue with one of the YMD Chapter chief last night on their night duty problem. Seems like it is far from finding a solution to their current problem. Truly feel the Chapter chief is under pressure. Hope our dialogue will lead him to see the first step to the solution is a change of mindset in the central figure (ichinen). Nothing will stop a strong and determined person. I must do the same!

Dialogue-11

CF looked for me to talk about Student Division. Glad that she is so into building up the Student Division again. Encouraged her to foster as many student division to become Sensei's disciple as possible while Sensei is still with us, and build a Student Division that is foremost in Mentor & Disciple Spirit. Must help her to accomplish this. This is also my pledge to Sensei too!

Soka Talent Group

Conducted our first Soka Talent Group Recruitment on Monday. Some 110 members turned up. They were really trilled by Region Chief's speech on how to transform ourselves from a Believer to a true Practitioner. YMD did badly in encouraging YMD members to attend this meeting. Must strive harder for see victory. Resolved to bring this 1st batch Soka Talent Group members closer to Sensei..

“Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life.”

(The True Aspect of All Phenomena WND, 385)

Soka education

KP told me about ES's education plan... Cool idea!

Few years ago, i had set my ultimate career goal to be in education. Keep thinking on how to get Soka philosophy into the mainstream of our formal and informal education system in the society. More generally, how to make Soka philosophy appreciated by ALL in the society.

Truly think a more effective education system resides not in the school system but in the society. The entertainment industry for example, plays a very important role in educating the public, both kids and adults, effectively today.

Gakkai needs more talents in this industry, we need Singers, Actors, Stars, Directors, Producers, Show hosts, radio DJs, Sportman, Writers, Artists, ...

For those who is not a public figures... we do our best in whatever we are in, that itself is an educational model for others.

10 Oct 2008

Dialogue Dialogue Dialogue

Finding Dialogue is so thrilling.. Did 3 dialogues for past 2 days.

KP encouraged me on pursuing my path with courage..

Surprise to find out WS (old schoolmate, non-member) also registered for 2007 Run for Peace. Encouraged him to join us in 2009 Run too!

Encouraged FY to chant together to elevate our life conditions together..

To me, Dialogue is about encouraging and being encouraged!

7 Oct 2008

A Touching 2nd Act of Kosenrufu Meeting

The 2nd Act of Kosenrufu Meeting we had yesterday was a real touching one. I shared my SGI YTC impression with them and followed by the 18th HQ Meeting video. The real moving part is when the youth division start to share their victory reports...

"... I'm sorry I've treated my sisters badly, I'm gonna change from now on, I resolve to become a good brother!" cried SL.

"... my greatest victory is my parent has finally receive our Gohonzon this morning after 11 years of faith in Nichiren Buddhism!" YC relates.

"... thank you so much on the great supports from Region, Cultural Group, and all supporting groups, we have won in our Mid Autumn Festival performance last night!" SL declared.

"... I have overcome to my shortcoming by contributing in painting one petal of the flowers we used in the S7 Mid Autumn Festival!" a YWD mentioned.

"... we both finally see results in taking care of a YMD who has depression problem!" said MD & SH.

It is the growth of the youth division that gives me more joy and touches me most. Heartfelt appreciation to all of them who have encouraged me tremendously!

6 Oct 2008

My Great Mentor

Went to kaikan after a long day in office. Think a lot about my career lately..

Received a message from PL and call from SB about them receiving reply messages from Sensei. How wonderful!! PL even told me one of the member couldn't hold back her tears when she receive this news from Sensei. Truly feel Sensei has never and will never miss anyone out when we seek him.. A great mentor that is so compassionate to all his fellow disciples.

Met YC, D, CH, CL, and the rest of the Carpentry Group at canteen. Chat with them regarding Sensei's message to them on preparation for tomorrow night's performance. Hope they will start to seek Sensei in their lives too.

Read Sensei's essay "Facing the Past, Embracing the Future". About how should Japan face the fact that the misery inflicted by Japanese militarism on people of Asia during WWII, Sensei wrote:

To make a sincere accounting of historical realities and reflect on past misdeeds is hardly "masochistic" or self-denigrating. It is, rather, a courageous amd honorable act.

3 Oct 2008

Sorting out backlogs

Today is a rest day for me at home to work out all my backlogs. Sending SGI YTC photos to all including hL in NZ, brother Yas in UK, YC in Japan, RT in UAE, and other comrades in Canada, India, Taiwan and Singapore. Will strive my best to keep in touch with all these precious comrades in faith. Hope to create network of friendship through faith.

2 Oct 2008

Photography trip to Kuala Selangor

It's Raya Holiday! Wake up early to meet LH & KF at kaikan to go for a shooting trip today. Shoot some 500+ photographs.. Learned a whole lot from both of them throughout the trip. A real fulfilling trip!

A truly nature appreciation experience. Must try to make time for trips like this more! Thanks to LH & KF.

1 Oct 2008

First glimpse of benefit @ Work

Feel refresh again today. May be it was due to the Daimoku last night.

PTT project in Thailand that i follow-up so closely has finally start to see some lights as my boss is willing to look into further discount which I told him on so many occasions (even getting myself into unreasonable blame from him)...

Frankly speaking, I feel the greater benefit to me is I am able to feel refresh again today!!

Chanted another hour of Daimoku of gratitude today.

30 Sep 2008

Self control

Gone through the toughest meeting in office where my boss complained about my work sarcastically. But frankly, what I did was what he instructed me to!! Felt lousy the whole day... the idea of leaving this job suddenly pops up in my head again so loud.. Came back home and chanted Daimoku to elevate my life condition. It is so hard to chant when in the state of Hell and Anger at the same time. Told myself may be this is the sign to look out for other opportunities.

29 Sep 2008

Dialogue-10

KP drove me to Sekinchang for Youth Study Meet today. We shared our ideas on a few issues, how to bring up our Student Division, SGM's signature in the society, Soka Society in schools and also our dissatisfaction towards our current jobs. What is the right job / carrer for me? Should I take a bold step to change my job now or strive to improve the current situation?? Must chant to realise my mission in life!

28 Sep 2008

Lecture on Buddhism of Sowing

I'm lecturing on the Buddhism of Sowing at Sekinchang today. I have only read through the lecture twice and I did badly. Pity those members that have to endure through my entire lecture in the afternoon heat. Luckily KP came to rescue towards the end. The skill to deliver an effective lecture can only be acquired through practices after practices.. Must challenge to do better next time.

28 Sep 2008

Dialogue-9

KA told me he is worried about our current YMD who never feel the importance of Gakkai. This conversation truly change my view on KA. His concern has shown his commitment in kosenrufu. I'm glad one more YMD feel this today.

27 Sep 2008

Dialogue-8

This was carried out after the Jenjarom Mid Autumn Festival with CF. She was worried about her future after her training. I believe many other youth division are facing this problem as well. How do I help these youth to find their path in Mentor & Disciple. How to make them feel Sensei and make Sensei's dream theirs?

Jenjarom Mid Autumn Festival

It has been a few days since i last blogged.

Attended last night Jenjarom Mid Autumn Festival performance. One of the Gym boy was injured. I was really worried about him. Luckily doctor said he is OK. What catches my eye most was those sincere members working behind the scene after the performance. From chairs stacking to classroom cleaning, from backdrop dismantling to exhibition boards keeping, all were done within minutes after the show. Amazing Gakkai members that give their all for success of the event even after the show. These are the real Gakkai members who supported our kosenrufu movement.

27 Sep 2008

Message from Sensei

Just got a call from SGM Bunka Kaikan. TS told me Sensei pass his message to thank everyone on the gifts (Cherry Tree Musical CD, Program book, Soka Spirit Handbook & Youth Division Victory Report).

"Thank you so much for the gifts and I will treasure them myself. Please thank everyone for the efforts put in."

Sensei, for you, a thousand times over!!!

Smell of Green

Today, an off Saturday. Woke up and found myself recovered from my week-long flu. Decided to go for a walk in stadium after Gongyo. I have forgotten when was my last time there. A truly refreshing experience. I can even smell the scene of the trees and grass freshness..

I am not supporting a shallow anthropocentricism or faith in human omnipotence. The revival [of humanism] I have in mind must enable human beings to live in harmony with all of our fellow living creatures.

~ Daisaku Ikeda, Be Creative Individuals, 1973 ~

Dialogue-7

Last night meet CW and WL on my way out from kaikan. Discuss with them on kaikan audio system. Encouraged CW to take on the senior role in guiding the junior in the group. We had a good chat on our hope for kaikan's future role to put up more musical performance to the public.

Dialogue-6

Had a dialogue session with YH's friend and family. Mom, Dad, sister and herself were keen to find out what Gakkai is all about. YH wanted me help explain why our religion is not a Japanese God religion... Took me a while to make the point across. Must reflect on my efficiency of words used and vocaburary. How to explain the above within first 1 or 2 minutes of conversation?? Will seek guidance on that.

Dialogue-5

This dialogue session was among a group of YMD who were performing duty for the Art Exhibition. They are CS, YH, AW & CS. Guess what we talked about?? Books!! Books by Jin-Yong. A topic I did not expect from a group YMD in a casual chat!

This group of YMD impressed me a lot, their knowledge in the books, their memories on the characters in the books, their language efficacy, their sincerity, their purity. They make me come back at night to the exhibition again to talk to them again!

Dialogue-4

Meeting CC & CY at a coffee shop near kaikan. Discussing on whether should CC come back or remain in Vietnam. After all he had more or less made up his mind to return.

Both are YMD of great potentials. Must treasure them.
16 Sep 2008

Dialogue-3

Received a phone call from WC. He was asking me how's Sensei after my recent trip to Japan. I told him Sensei is healthy and must chant to able to attend this SGI Youth Training Course someday. Without hesitation, he asked me how can he attend this training course.

... He asked: "I'm just a Group leader now, will Sensei wait long enough for me to attend this SGI training course when I'm a Honbu leader?" ...

Such an innocent soul with a pure seeking mind. For a moment I just wanna fly him straight to Japan and meet Sensei. I promise to connect all these pure souls directly to Sensei... bridging the path of oneness of mentor & disciple.

15 Sep 2008

Dialogue-2

I had a very long dialogue with an artist, CT during the Art Exhibition. Through him, I see the burning passion for Art. For 40 over years, he has been drawing and for the past 10 years he has become full-time artist. Really impressed by his dedication towards art for so long.

Are we looking for people with this passion in kosenrufu as well? I see there are lesser and lesser people carrying this torch of mentor & disciple lately. I have a mission, I must spread this passion more than before, through words and actions.

14 Sep 2008

Art Exhibition

We had an Art Exhibition in kaikan last Sunday. An exhibition exhibiting the precious Art pieces donated by renowned artists to SGM. I did the Opening Speech, and mentioned to a crowd of 150 or so about Sensei's objective of Fuji Art Museum being an art museum meant for the society, for the People. Feel glad to spread Sensei's ideals on art to so many members, non-members and artists.

14 Sep 2008

Dialogue

Had a dialogue with YC last night about his work and marriage life. A troubled person and on the verge of giving up chanting as he did not see any benefits after practicing. Encouraged him to look back what he has achieved so far and go back to Gohonzon and chant Daimoku. Chanted Daimoku for him last night and this morning. Hope he will be able to overcome his problems.

Favorite Gosho

Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law…

~The Opening of the Eye~

Feel bad for not attending Discussion Meeting last night. Chanted an hour Daimoku at home for the success of the Discussion Meeting. Called CY to find out he brought 1 new YMD to the meeting. KP called to go Kaikan together to help setup exhibition boards for this Sunday Art Exhibition. Glad to see GH, EW, KC, SM, YK and a few more YMD working so hard for kosenrufu there. Shared with EW & YK on how Japan YMD feel proud being Sokahan & Gajokai in Gakkai. Must do shakubuku!

Must Fight On

This is the 3rd day after the 2008 SGI Youth Training Course. And I have already felt the challenge is ON!! My girlfriend and I ended our relationship. My two sales colleagues are leaving the company. My R&D Manager has finally decided to leave as well. It means more work loads and nobody to turn to. Will take all these as sansho shima* for me to walk this path of Mentor & Disciple. Must FIGHT ON!

Just to add on to the challenges... even my WAJA that had accompanied me for 5 years now also shun on me by not willing to start and I got to miss my Discussion Meet tonight :(

Read this in one of Sensei's guidance:

Virtuous Soul, rejoice; sorrow is like dew,
.............................
lamenting is futile; victory is found in struggle;
we face the tremendous avalanche of
adversity and misfortune,
with resolve and courage!

~ Federico Bermudez (1884-1921)~

My Impression

Thank you Sensei for having me here in Japan to see you and to meet so many comrades in faith. I truly feel we shared a common bond to fulfill our mentor's dreams together. Even though there are so many delegates from different continents and countries that speak and wear differently, but we chanted Daimoku in unison. A model of worldwide kosenrufu. I feel that Sensei is showing us a drama of how a true mentor train his disciples in the Headquarter Meeting. It is precisely for Sensei's love for SGI and his fellow disciples that Sensei will not allow even slightest deviation from the true path of Oneness of Mentor & Disciple. Another feeling is as if the drama of Ceremony in the Air in Lotus Sutra has unfolded during the Headquarter meeting, where the future kosenrufu is entrusted to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth - the Youth Division!!

My Life-long Quest

Just got back from 2008 SGI Youth Training Course (1 Sep ~ 7 Sep) in Japan yesterday. All tired but filled with new resolve. Must work to fulfill my Mentor's dream and shine like how other youth division in SGI has shone!!

Resolved to make this my Life-long Quest!!!